Traverse City, Michigan January 11, 2010. Marathon Automotive received the honor of being named one of the top 10 automotive repair shops in the nation by Motor Age Magazine.

The December 2009 issue of Motor Age Magazine, the leading publication of the automotive service industry, named Marathon Automotive (located at 845 South Airport Rd 1/4 mile east of Garfield Ave.) as one of the top ten automotive repair shops in the USA.

“We had many outstanding shops apply for this contest,” said Bill Cannon, Motor Age editor-in-chief. “The level of sophistication and expertise that they demonstrated is a testimony to the professionalism that is abundant in the entire U.S. motor vehicle repair industry.”

Marathon Automotive is the only shop in Michigan to win in the 5 year history of the contest.

“Being recognized as one of the top 10 shops in the nation is a huge honor” said Ross Schofield founder and owner of Marathon Automotive. “I started this business in 1980 with the goal to not only to be the best auto repair shop in Michigan but also to be one of the best in the nation. I can largely attribute our success to our great employees. We work hard to give our customer the best service possible.”

Shops were judged in 15 different areas including: customer service and satisfaction, history and mission of their business, overall business philosophy, employee relations, shop management procedures, technical training and certifications, tools and equipment, parts quality standards, web site design, sales and marketing efforts and industry and community involvement.

To help determine the winners, photographs, videos and essays were submitted by each repair shop. Winning shops were rated on a point system in the 15 different categories and well as an extensive interview. The panel of leading industry experts also rated the shops on practical business sense and creativity.

In 1992 Marathon Automotive became Traverse City’s first AC Delco Service Center.

In 2000, they became the only ASE Blue Seal Shop in Traverse City, and as of 2010, they are still the only one.

In 2008 they earned the distinction of being the only full service AAA Approved Service Center in Traverse City.

Looking over their web site http://marathonauto.com/ one testimonial sums it up best. "The folks at Marathon Automotive make me feel they care as much for my well being as they do for my cars."

“Motor Age Top Shop” it’s the most prestigious competition in the automotive repair industry and is conducted by Motor Age magazine the oldest and most respected trade magazine in the business.
Their first issue was published in September 1899 and today reaches an audience of 140,000 automotive service industry professionals.